06/16/2026
Last week, the City of St. Petersburg officially proclaimed World Ocean Day, recognizing the importance of protecting the Gulf, the communities that depend on it, and the marine wildlife that call it home, including the critically endangered Rice’s whale.
Healthy Gulf was proud to join partners from Sierra Club Florida and other organizations at City Hall as local leaders reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding our waters from the risks of offshore drilling.
The proclamation highlighted what we know to be true: healthy oceans support thriving coastal communities, economies, and ecosystems.
We're grateful to the St. Petersburg City Council, Mayor Kenneth Welch, and all of our partners working together to oppose offshore drilling and defend protections for vulnerable species and habitats.
Together, we're making sure the story of the Rice's whale, and the need to protect the Gulf, is heard loud and clear.